Richard V. Hart was born and still lives in Peoria, Illinois, where he has worked in education as both a teacher and administrator for longer than the likes to think about. He is now semi-retired and has more time to devote to writing. Having a fondness for both mysteries—something he got from his mother—and old movies, he has set about creating a series of detective novels with roots in the mystery-comedy films that were popular in the 30s and 40s. Appointment with Murder is the first in this series. He is currently finishing up the second book.